Chez Panisse
Berkeley, CA 94709-1598
Phone: (510) 548-5525
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Vine Street
- Best of Citysearch:
- Romantic Dining 2004
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat 5:30pm-9:15pm
Editorial Review for Chez Panisse – by Wendy Weiden
The Scene
The warmly lit dining room oozes Craftsman style, with gorgeous woodwork, a large, open hearth and glowing copper-shaded lamps. Hushed diners range from Birkenstock-shod Berkeley intellectuals to black-clad city slickers. Service is gracious, though it can be slow.
The Food
Thirty years ago, owner Alice Waters unleashed an epicurean revolution by focusing on locally grown, seasonal ingredients. The menu changes nightly here, and it's always prix fixe, with three to four courses. Simple presentations that might include delicate soupe de la mer with garlicky red rouille or roasted Hoffman Farm chicken with shallots, cream and a hint of calvados are deliciously compelling arguments for Waters' agrarian stance. Past menus have included baked artichokes stuffed with capers, garlic and anchovies and a NoCal riff on Moroccan chicken tagine. Desserts almost always feature fresh fruit, from a delicate poached pear in January to a flaky stonefruit galette in August.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Save MoneyLooking for the experience without the expenditure? Mondays, $50 gets you a three-course menu.
Know Before You GoThere's stagger seating only so make reservations beforehand.
Where to SitThere are two restaurants here--downstairs (Chez Panisse) and upstairs, otherwise known as the Chez Panisse Cafe. If you're looking for a more casual experience, try the Cafe, open Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner.
User Reviews for Chez Panisse
07/10/2008 Posted by ChefDeb
This was a first time visit to the Prix Fix upstairs dining room and it was a dining experience all around. I had friends in from Los Angeles and this was the choice. We made reservations 1 month ahead which was Necessary! The ambiance was warm, inviting and a blend of coppery tones. The open firehearth inside the kitchen was splendid. Although the plates weren't overfilled we still all felt satisfied by the end of the meal. Everything was excellent. We had these little Gruyer Cheesepuffs to start which were unique, delicate and melting in your mouth. Fresh crostinis with sardines that weren't fishy served with fresh figs and prociutto ham, a super tender dish of squid in Romesco sauce that was killer and lamb ribs cooked to perfection. The fresh apricot tartlet was flaky, buttery and full of apricots. I took a tour of the kitchen and was amazed how little room there was yet nothing and no one seemed pressed for space. The walkin refrigerator had sheetpans full of fresh berries and they were dauntingly delicious. (we got a few bites) The staff was super friendly and very very attentive. Our little guest from LA even got a going away gift of Alice Water's daughter's book to take home on her drawings and writings from the years! Talk about Nice! We were all very impressed and very happy with our meal, the service and the restaurant. It was a completely memorable meal worth the wait and even the late 8:45 dining hour.
Pros: the service, the food, the fresh ingredients, the small yet elegant dining room
Cons: calling 1 month in advance and not being able to get an earlier dinner hour seating.
03/30/2008 Posted by jss22557
After waiting many years to visit Chez Panisse, since we live on the East Coast and don't get out that way often, we finally got a reservation -- or so we thought. After calling to reconfirm, we were told that we did not have one because we never gave a deposit (which was never requested) and found out that they had taken our phone number incorrectly, which is why we were cancelled. After much conversation, we were accommodated and our reservation was reinstated. We probably would have been better off if it had not been. The food was average at best, the decor very, very tired. The best part of the meal was the aperitif. The service was very good, but that does not make up for the lackluster meal that followed. The meal was prepared with so little imagination, that it almost felt like I could have made it at home if I wanted to. We visited other "exceptional" restaurants during this trip -- Gary Danko in San Francisco being one -- and enjoyed them immensely. Would not recommend Chez Panisse nor would we ever return.
Pros: service
Cons: food, decor, lack of parking
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